If the university has a patent as a result of its researcher's work, and the pharma co needs that patent to commercialize, then as part of the licensing agreement, the university could include a provision requiring the pharma co to sell drugs to developing countries at a discount. This is one way patent protection could be used to benefit a third party. Universities would have to put their money where there mouth is, though, because, undoubtedly, they would make less money from the patent license if such a provision were included.